McLeod - Swimming Anatomy - 2010
.pdf
Execution
1 . Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand facing a box.
2.Step up onto the box with one leg. Pressing through this leg, lift yourself upward until both feet are on the box.
3.Step down with the leg that initiated the exercise.
4.Repeat, initiating the exercise with the opposite leg.
•SAFETY TIP
To protect the low back, you must maintain a tall, upright posture during the entire exercise. A common technique flaw is leaning the upper trunk forward.
Muscles Involved
Primary:Rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, psoas major, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius Secondary:Biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, pectineus, sartorius, gracilis, gastrocnemius, soleus, transversus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique
Swimming Focus
Dumbbell step-ups are another good exercise for targeting all the major muscle groups of the lower extremity at the same time. Strength gains will carry over to improved strength and distance off the starting blocks, especially with track starts because of the single-leg isolation, as well as turn walls. Targeting of the knee extensors will transfer to force development and stamina with kicking.
To maximize the benefit of the exercise, emphasize a slow, controlled descent from the top of the box. The difficulty of the exercise can be modified by altering the height of the box.
VARIATION
Barbell Step-Up
As your strength improves, using dumbbells may become impractical, at which time you can implement the use of a barbell. When using a barbell, rest it on the trapezius as if you were performing a barbell squat, but be aware that the weight will shift farther from the center of gravity compared with using dumbbells. Be ready for a change in balance.
Execution
1 . Rest the barbell across your upper back and position your feet shoulder-width apart.
2.Step forward, bending the knee of your front leg until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Avoid allowing the back knee to touch the ground.
3.Push back with the front foot to return to the starting position.
Muscles Involved
Primary:Rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius Secondary:Erector spinae, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, pectineus, sartorius, gracilis, gastrocnemius, soleus, transversus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique
Swimming Focus
This exercise engages all the major muscle groups of the lower extremity in a dynamic fashion that incorporates a balance component. Use of this exercise will lead to improved kicking performance and have a beneficial effect on starts and turns.
To avoid leaning your torso forward during the exercise, in the starting position pick an object at eye level and maintain focus on that object throughout the entire lunge. By using this technique your head will stay up, and subsequently your torso will remain upright. Pay close attention to the position of your knee in relation to your foot. In the ending position your lower leg should be perpendicular to the ground.
VARIATIONS
Walking Lunge